SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6662

As of February 4, 2002

Title:  An act relating to balanced student achievement calendar planning grants.

Brief Description:  Providing grants for balanced student achievement calendar planning.

Sponsors:  Senator McAuliffe; by request of State Board of Education.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/7/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786‑7403)

Background:  Under current law, generally a school year must consist of at least 180 school days and may be offered throughout the full 12-month calendar year.  Traditionally, a school year starts in September and ends in August, with summer breaks lasting three months.

Summary of Bill:  The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), in consultation with the State Board of Education (SBE), must award planning grants to schools or school districts seeking to develop and implement "balanced student achievement calendars."  Balanced student achievement calendars are school years of 180 days spread out over a 12-month calendar year, during which time at least one week a month in 11 of the 12 months involves regular student instructional days and summer breaks are six weeks. 

The SPI and the SBE must submit a joint report to the Legislature by January 30, 2004, regarding the number of grants awarded and the types of balanced student achievement calendars implemented.   

Appropriation:  $125,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.